As you will know from the newsletter, we meet in a countryside car park on the first Friday in the month for a ramble of three miles or a bit more. There's no need for you to tell us beforehand that you are coming as there is no limit on numbers. In practice the most to come has been about 16, but occasionally on days with a grotty weather forecast as few as two or three die-hards might show up. Although I am organiser of the group, I'm afraid that owing to advancing years and decrepitude I no longer lead the walks — I'll do my own shorter walk but will come back in time for any pub lunch people have chosen.
Failing a regular leader, a group of our members — currently Wal, Jo, Quentin and John — take it turns to choose the next walk and then to lead it on the day. I will talk it over with them so I can concoct the newsletter entry.
Before we get into the dynamics of how people interact on a walk, let's look at the marvellous countryside we are lucky to have for our stamping ground. And it is criss-crossed by an excellent well-maintained path network. A half day walk does not merit a long drive to the starting point, but there is a most varied choice of walks within 20 miles, often much nearer.
Comment from one of our regulars:
"Great company in stunning locations. We are sooooo lucky."
Look at the pictures. We have coastal paths — the South West National Trail coast path hugs our shoreline. There's lots of moorland in Exmoor National Park. Braunton Burrows has an enormous area of sand dunes to wander through. In between lie lovely woods and fields, dotted with villages and remote pubs. We often follow the paths in the Arlington National Trust estate. What's not to like?
So, we assemble in good time to pull on boots and get ready for a prompt 10.30 start. Since the leader does not know who is coming, equally he/she does not know if anyone is late, so we just set off promptly at 10.30. Our leaders make a point of keeping everyone together and set a reasonable pace sensitive to any slower members. This is the case particularly on the ups and downs, of which there are many here in North Devon. Usually there's a drinks break.
We usually don't stop for lengthy photo shoots or for nature study, but you can take short stops. Everyone enjoys a walk in their own way, for the views, to keep fit, for company and to have a good chat. There's often a pleasant dynamic going on where small groups of people form to chat as they walk only to find that some minor disturbance — a gate, a steep or rocky bit, a sudden view to admire, whatever, — breaks the group up and then a new bunch of people find themselves together.
Anyone coming on one of our walks should ensure they have adequate boots and clothing for the route and the weather, ample water, our u3a-issued contact card (for emergencies), maybe a snack. Your leader will take care of finding the way and advise in case of an emergency. There's a ramblers WhatsApp group for arranging lifts, late notifications, etc.
We welcome your company. Julian Tippett, Group Convener.
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